PECOMETH

CHALLENGE COURSE

 

 

What is the Challenge Course Program? 

At Pecometh we create a carefully sequenced progression of hands-on activities that help groups explore team-building or group work. These may include non-competitive games that set the tone, problem-solving activities,  low ropes elements or high ropes elements. Our program utilizes open field areas, portable equipment and "cable wood and wire" systems in our forest.


What type of program is best for our group?

A good choice for introducing groups to the basic concepts of teambuilding is our Team Challenge Course which involves ground activities, portable challenges and low ropes. If groups have plenty of time to spend on the course, we recommend adding the option of using high elements to explore individual  extreme challenges and group support. We have advanced elements for groups with prior experience on our course such as the giant swing, the zip line and the power pole.

 

How much time does it take?

The more time spent out on the challenge course, the deeper the learning  experience can be for the participants. Progams lasting 2 to 4 hours typically address only the elementary concepts of teambuilding; groups spending 4 to 8 hours on the course are afforded the time it takes to progress through the various stages of teambuilding. Each low element can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to complete; high elements take longer due to the technical equipment that must be used for safety. It is normal f or groups of 10 to spend 1 1/2  hours on a high element.

 

A typical day may begin with warm-up activities that last from 15 minutes to an hour,  then 2 to 3 hours on the team challenge course, a break for lunch and the afternoon spent on one or two high elements.

What about the curriculum; what do you teach?

Our primary goal is to teach groups about the fundamentals of communication, cooperation, and solution-finding. What does that translate into? Actions that may include:

  • Providing assistance to others when they need it

  • Acknowledging  the efforts of others

  • Sharing ideas or expertise with others

  • Giving and receiving positive, constructive feedback to improve processes or outcomes

  • Working toward solutions that the entire group or  team can support

  • Demonstrating trust in other's abilities and ideas

Can we request a custom designed program for our needs?

Absolutely. Our existing programs are a solid choice for most groups. Their designs are based on years of programming research which told us exactly what groups need to have a great experience on the challenge course. However, we realized some groups have very specific goals and/or special  requirements that call for customization. Our challenge course manager will  do everything he can to consult with you in order to design a program that satisfies your needs.

 

How much does it cost?

Cost is dependent upon the length of program you choose; these is a $300 minimum charge for any program.

  • $30 per person for a 3 hour program (half day);  either 9 am to 12 pm or 1 pm to 4 pm

  • $40 per  person for a program that is more than 3 hours long (full day); these programs can start as early as 9 am and typically end at 4 pm

  • $15 per person for 2 hour climbing wall program

What is your policy in the event of bad weather?

We operate our challenge course 12 months out of  the year. However, in the event of high winds, electrical storms and/or torrential downpours, programs are canceled in accordance with our safety plan. For team challenge course programs we are able to take our portable equipment indoors if space is available during inclement weather events.

 

Who runs the challenge course?

The Pecometh Challenge Course is operated by professionally trained facilitators. Our staff is trained according to the guidelines set forth by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). We have a fulltime challenge course manager who is responsible for coordinating the overall program, as well as supervising daily operations, program design, staff training, safety inspections & preventative maintenance.

 

I'm ready to book or I have more  questions, what's next?

Great! Here's what you do:

a)  Contact Pecometh Guest Services Coordinator, Ann Ashe, at (410) 556-6900 x 100 to check availability and to schedule.

b)  Download the Leader's Packet.

c)  Complete the Planning Form and Needs Assessment found in the Leader's Packet.  Fax, email, or mail to our Challenge Course Manager.  Fax: (413) 445-6442, Email: danashe@pecometh.org, mail: Pecometh Challenge  Course Program, ATTN: Dan Ashe, 136 Bookers Wharf Road, Centreville, Md  21617.

d)  Copy and distribute Participant Forms (Medical Release Forms, Wear and Prepare)

e)  Save the Program Evaluation Form and complete once your group has experienced the course; then send to the Challenge Course Manager or Guest Services Coordinator.